Recently, I was quoted in the Costco Connection in an article about eating an anti-inflammatory diet. I was quoted about using food sensitivity testing to tailor an anti-inflammatory diet to each individual. However, more information about food sensitivity testing wasn’t included and there are some things you should know before getting tested. The #1 thing to know is what test to use. Here are the most common food sensitivity tests available outlined.

IgG ELISA: IgG is a memory antibody meaning that a high level shows exposure to a food. In essence, it is an expensive food diet diary. Furthermore, scientific research states that IgG is not indicative of food sensitives.

ALCAT: The ALCAT test was invented and patented by Dr. Mark Pasula, who later invented and patented the MRT. It measures changes in white blood cell size after exposure to an antigen. It is an out-dated, less reliable test compared to the MRT.

MRT: All immune based adverse reactions result in the release of chemical mediators. The Mediator Release Test measures changes in the ratio of liquid to solids after whole blood exposure to an antigen. The ratio indicates if the immune system has released chemical mediators such as histamine. The test results show what foods have caused an immune reaction and what the degree of reactivity is (reactive, moderate or insignificant). According to independent studies, the MRT is the most accurate and comprehensive blood test available for food and food-chemical reactions.

When working with a practitioner to test for food sensitivities, make sure the right test is being ordered. I used to work with a holistic doctor who was ordering the IgG test for everyone instead of MRT. He ordered this test while fully knowing that MRT is accurate and IgG is not. The reason he ordered it is because his patients would complain about the cost of paying for the tests out of pocket and IgG is less expensive. However, he was just wasting his patients’ money. When they saw no results after unnecessarily cutting foods out of their diet, I then ordered the MRT on them and finally these patients were starting to see relief from their symptoms.

Want to read more about food sensitivities? Check out my FAQ page and read more about my food sensitivity testing and services HERE.

Here’s a copy of the article from the Costco Connection:

Still have more questions?

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